Lab-gear - any opinions?

[hitch]

I'm just wondering if anyone has ordered any merino stuff from lab-gear? There was only one other mention I could find on the site about the company, but it said that they'd closed down. They appear to still be going strong, however.

http://www.lab-gear.com/

I'm just wondering what the quality is like, and if anyone would recommend it. I own some Icebreaker merino clothes I was able to pick up relatively cheaply in Canada, but here it is fairly expensive. lab-gear stuff seems quite reasonably priced.

Just after some opinions.

[Bantam Roosta]

Can't comment on Lab-gear, but have a look here at groundeffect. http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products-MER.htm

They do merino stuff and are excellent quality at a reasonable price.

[tomness]

Lab gear started life as an OZ company. Then it started dealing in the UK as well. About 2 or 3 years ago the Oz part closed down, but the UK part kept going. Recently though it seems that the OZ part has re- started.

I have been buying lab gear stuff for ages and really rate it. The knicks last for ages, and are super comfy and have very nifty pockets in the sides for gels. The merino jersey, tights, legwarmers and arm warmers that I have are great. Nice thin material, but really keep the cold out. I use my labgear merino stuff for when it is cold / wet and I can do a whole ride without needing to shed the tights (ie you don't over heat). I used my tights this morning when it was chilly in perth. They are still going strong and not stinky at all. A couple of holes, but that is my fault for crashing on my mtb bike and ripping them.

I also have some non merino wicking fabric jerseys and base layers that I got years ago and use on a daily basis. They are also going strong although some of them are getting a little stinky. It seems you can't get these any more though.

I will add that lab gear are not big on logos or graphics, which I really like. I don't want to be a mobile billboard when I am out for a ride.

[hitch]

Thanks guys.

that's the sort of opinion I'm after tomness, and I'll check out groundeffect too.

It's frustrating that we (along with NZ) grow so much merino wool, but it seems this stuff is more expensive here than just about anywhere in the world...

[nickobec]

I have some of their old stuff and new stuff.

My most worn jersey in a old lab-gear merino in khaki and charcoal and it has survived the abuse over the past three years and still looks good. Seriously you can not go past a merino jersey for regular riding wear. I have a few other items from lab-gear as well and can not fault the quality or durability. I also purchased them on the recommendation of tomness. Hi Tom.

Their new range is more urban than their older clothing and custom built to your order. I have a pair of their Simples shorts and Bi-Posto Bike Boxer undershorts.

I ordered it when their new site went live, however it took two months instead of two weeks. Gerard the person behind Lab-gear kept in contact ever couple of weeks during this time. I understand all the issues have been resolved and delay like mine are highly unlikely to occur again.

The Simples shorts, my biggest surprise was the construction of the shorts, just like regular shorts/jeans/trousers that meet you know where and that come in direct contact with the saddle (unlike some other cycling outer shorts I own, which has a single piece of material and no seams in contact with the saddle ).

I have only put 100km riding in them so far, and no riders longer than 45km, but when combined with bi-postos, no issues. Look and feel durable, and capable of surviving the abuse. As well as you will never bump into anybody with the same shorts as you.

The bi postos are a pleasant surprise, very comfortable, do not retain that sweaty smell like my other undershorts. The chamois extends further forward than needed for riding, but I suppose that is for the "manly" look.

Will post a review here on on my blog once I get some more riding in on them and maybe a wash or two.

[drubie]

I have the "old" lab-gear arm and leg warmers - going on their fourth winter now I think. Her indoors had to stitch them up this Autumn but I'm still wearing them. Very, very effective gear in cold weather, stays warm when wet like merino items should, not itchy. Long term UV exposure seems to kill the synthetic that gives the wool the stretchiness but the UV in Armidale is pretty savage. I'd buy them again, but thought they had gone out of business - if they're still making them I'd take another look.

[nickobec]

Yes they back in business lab-gear website